DTCC’s XLM Patent Move Boosts Stellar’s $4Q Securities Play

Stellar’s XLM token experienced a significant 36% surge in trading volume on September 16, 2025, reaching 70 million during the 08:00–09:00 UTC window, marking a pivotal moment in its recent price dynamics. The token briefly rallied 3% to $0.39 before retreating, highlighting the volatile nature of crypto markets amid shifting sentiment. The volume spike, more than triple the 24-hour average, underscored heightened interest in Stellar’s ecosystem, driven by a DTCC patent filing that named XLM as a compatible network for tokenized securities. This development positioned XLM as a potential infrastructure solution for systems handling nearly $4 quadrillion in securities annually, bolstering institutional credibility.

The rally coincided with announcements from the Stellar Development Foundation regarding new institutional partnerships in payments and asset management, with total value locked on the network increasing ninefold over the past year. However, the gains were short-lived. Between 13:15 and 14:14 UTC, XLM retreated to $0.39, with heavy selling pressure evident in the final hour. A sharp drop occurred between 13:45–13:47 UTC, where volume spiked to 3.6 million before activity slowed to zero in the last two minutes of trading, signaling institutional withdrawal and short-term consolidation.

Technical analysis revealed mixed signals. The volume surge during the morning rally established $0.39 as a resistance level, while sustained activity above 60 million in the following hour reinforced bullish momentum. However, the subsequent sell-off created a new support zone around $0.39, complicating near-term direction. Analysts noted that the consolidation phase could set the stage for renewed buying interest if the $0.361 support level holds, a threshold frequently cited in price predictions for a potential rebound.

Price forecasts for XLM in September 2025 remain cautious. While a dramatic decline into the $0.15–$0.20 range is considered unlikely, a drop to the mid-to-high $0.20s is seen as a possible entry point for long-term holders. Crypto analyst Ali Martinez highlighted $0.33 as a “buy-the-dip” level before projecting a potential rally to $1. These predictions align with Stellar’s ISO compliance, which positions it for corporate adoption as regulatory clarity improves. Institutional interest, coupled with broader adoption in financial networks, is cited as a long-term growth driver despite short-term volatility.

The broader market context also influences XLM’s trajectory. Investors are monitoring macroeconomic factors, including the Federal Reserve’s policy decisions, which could impact crypto sentiment. Meanwhile, Stellar’s expanding ecosystem, validated by partnerships in emerging markets and growing institutional participation, contrasts with the bearish trends observed in other payment-focused tokens like XRP. Analysts emphasize that while XLM’s utility in cross-border transactions and financial inclusion remains strong, its price action reflects the inherent volatility of the sector.

Key technical indicators suggest a potential turning point. The volume spike to 70 million during the morning breakout confirmed $0.39 as a critical resistance level, while the final hour’s selling pressure established a new support zone. If XLM can hold above $0.361, it may regain momentum, with $0.39 serving as a psychological barrier for further upside. Conversely, a breakdown below this level could trigger deeper corrections, testing the token’s resilience amid broader market uncertainty.

The interplay of institutional adoption, technical momentum, and regulatory developments will likely define XLM’s near-term outlook. While the intraday reversal on September 16 highlighted market fragility, Stellar’s foundational strengths—low transaction fees, scalability, and strategic partnerships—remain intact. Investors are advised to monitor key support and resistance levels, as well as macroeconomic catalysts, to gauge the token’s potential for a sustained rebound.

Source: [1] XLM Surges 3% in Dramatic Morning Rally Before Sharp Reversal (https://www.coindesk.com/markets/2025/09/16/stellar-s-xlm-rallies-on-volume-surge-before-sharp-intraday-reversal) [2] Stellar Price Prediction September 2025: What to Expect From … (https://en.cryptonomist.ch/2025/09/01/stellar-price-prediction-september-2025-what-to-expect-from-xlm-this-month/) [3] XRP vs Stellar: Which Payment Altcoin Will Lead in 2025? (https://invezz.com/news/2025/09/05/xrp-vs-stellar-which-payments-giant-wins-in-2025/)